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When you are looking to make sure that your dog is well trained and attentive to your commands, you'll find that there are plenty of things that you can teach them, from the very basic and necessary commands like heel or sit, to more complex tricks like barking on command or learning how to roll over. The truth of the matter is that for the most part, dogs are quite trainable, and that with enough time and effort, you can make them do almost exactly what you say. If you are looking to train your dog, just keep some of the following in mind.

The first thing that you need to understand is that dogs are into pleasing you. If you can establish yourself as the pack leader in your dog's pack, they will be very interested in doing what you say and pleasing you, so you have this on your side. Unlike cats, who are reward oriented, dogs are process oriented, and you'll find that if you give them enough praise they will be willing to roll over and bark for you.... often literally!

When going through any training program it is important that you repeat it often. Your dog isn't going to master a trick in one day. It may take a few weeks before they understand what it is they are being praised for. You also need to remember to keep your dog training sessions short. You don't want your dog to get bored. One because you want them to have a positive association to the training, and two it isn't productive. They'll lose focus, you'll get frustrated, and simple waste time. So, notice when your dog looks like they've had enough training for now.

When you are training your dog, do not let him expect a treat. You'll find that dogs are more than willing to perform for praise, so make sure that having a treat is just that; something that happens rarely and when they have been extra good. What you are trying to avoid is letting your dog believe that he will receive the treat whenever he performs his trick. Some well meaning dog owners will give their dog a treat whenever they performs their trick, even when they haven't been asked, and this is really the wrong way to go.

When you want to train your dog, make sure that you end your practice on a high note. Let your dog know how happy you are with them, and make sure that they are eager to get started with their lessons again the next time they roll around. Take some time to make sure that your dog is a good learner and you'll find that they will surprise you!